New York Will Not Be A Cell-Phone Test Market…

Monday, September, 15, 2008 by Mel Phillips.

There are New York City moments that are almost guaranteed to happen.  The Mets bullpen will blow a lead, a taxicab will deposit some expensive Manhattan real estate gook all over you on a rainy day, you won’t get a seat on a subway when you’re carrying something heavy and the Patriots will beat the Jets with or without Tom Brady.  Add to that, this - New York won’t be one of the test markets for Arbitron’s new cell-phone-only sampling…

In an effort to bring more 18-34s into their sampling mix, Arbitron this fall will be testing cell-phone-only households in 125 diary markets.  The markets are yet to be determined but bet the ranch that one of them won’t be this city - not with the PPM controversy threatening implementation of that methodology in October.  Should the testing succeed cell-phone-only methodology would be used in fall of 2009…

Credit must be given to Arbitron that even with the PPM opposition in the country’s number one market, they forge ahead with this new test.  Arbitron is also designing web-based data-collection tools that can replace the paper diary as its primary means of collecting data with feasibility tests scheduled for 2009.  Beyond that look for the Web to be the primary source for Arbitron with an option for telephone interviews or paper diaries for older respondents.  Should the cell-phone-only test be successful, that methodology would also be part of the mix…

10 Timeline Memories:

1. 1776] The Redcoats are coming, the Redcoats are coming: The British take over New York City, landing at Kips Bay. They will chase George Washington to New Jersey…
2. 1928] Look what I found: Alexander Fleming discovers the antibiotic penicillin in the mold Penicillium notatum (verily)…
3. 1948] Musical call letters: WHN changes call letters to WMGM but don’t fret WHN fans, the call letters will change back in 1962…
4. 1952] Turn out the lights, the party’s over: The Boston Braves play their last game in Beantown at what is now Nickerson Field, under the Mass. Turnpike, the place B.U. plays their football games. The Bravos move to Milwaukee the following season…
5. 1954] I see China, I see France: Filming a scene for “The Seven Year Itch”, Marilyn Monroe’s dress flies up as she stands on a subway grating, infuriating husband Joe DiMaggio who doesn’t wait for a seven year itch. Married in January, they soon divorce in October. The marriage lasted 9 months…
6. 1958] Pinstripe tragedy: A commuter train crashes through a drawbridge near Newark (NJ) killing 48 including Yankee second baseman George“Snuffy” Stirnweiss who was only 39…
7. 1962] The call of the century: London Daily Mirror columnist Peter Jones calls The Beatles, “a nothing group” (nice call Peter)…
8. 1963] This outfield could relate: The Alou Brothers (Felipe, Matty & Jesus) play in the same outfield as The Giants beat the Pirates 13-5. Combined, the Alou’s go 1 for 5, all on Felipe’s at-bats…
9. 1978] A 3-peat: 36-year old Muhammad Ali beats Leon Spinks (in a decision) in a rematch, to become the 1st heavyweight champ to win the title 3 times…
10. 1971] Debuted on this date: The environmental organization “Greenpeace” is formed in Vancouver, B.C., Canada…1982] The first issue of “USA Today“ hits the newsstands and sells out…

Music Memories:

• 1968] Premiered on this date: The TV musical series “Soul” with Lou Rawls and Martha & the Vandellas guesting…1980] ‘Space Man’ David Bowie becomes “The Elephant Man“ on Broadway…
• 1969] Number One on this date: “Sugar, Sugar“ - Archies…

Commentary:

Condolences to Boston radio veteran Bill Hahn (WNAC, WRKO) on the loss of his wife, well-known South Shore real estate agent and former Boston broadcasting veteran Elizabeth “Bette” Hahn.  Bette passed away last Monday at 86.  An online register book has been set up at http://casperfuneralservices.com.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family… 

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday”:

Britain’s Prince Harry(24), Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (47), Oliver Stone (62), Tommy Lee Jones(62), Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen(68), Baseball Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry(70), Corm Nrosby (Norm Crosby to paraphrase Morn, I mean Norm) (81) and Jackie Cooper (86)…

Timeline Countdown: 7 days until Autumn in New York, 13 days until the end of the regular major league season and 15 days until the playoffs…

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